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Explainer / Is Xeomin really better than Botox? Loved by Gwyneth Paltrow, Joe Jonas and Christina Aguilera, the pure ‘naked injectable’ battles ageing skin, fine lines and wrinkles with fewer side effects

STORYCarolina Malis
Endorsed by Christina Aguilera, Gwyneth Paltrow and Joe Jonas, Xeomin offers similar benefits to Botox but, thanks to its purity, carries a lower risk of side effects. Photo: Blush Aesthetics
Endorsed by Christina Aguilera, Gwyneth Paltrow and Joe Jonas, Xeomin offers similar benefits to Botox but, thanks to its purity, carries a lower risk of side effects. Photo: Blush Aesthetics
Beauty

  • Xeomin is a newer cosmetic injectable that harnesses the ingredient botulinum toxin type A, like Botox – but, unlike the better-known non-invasive treatment, it uses a purer form of the neurotoxin
  • Celebrities with age-defying looks are fans of the skin-rejuvenating procedure, whose visible benefits kick in faster and last longer – up to half a year compared with Botox’s three to four months

In the ever-evolving quest for timeless beauty, cosmetic injectables have emerged as a formidable ally, offering individuals a chance to turn back the clock, one carefully administered needle at a time. Among them, Xeomin and Botox are both celebrated for their ability to battle fine lines and wrinkles.

But in the world of aesthetics, not all needles are created equal. Xeomin, often referred to as the “naked injectable”, and its elder counterpart, Botox, may share the common goal of rejuvenating ageing skin, but their modes of operation differ significantly.

Here’s what you need to know.

Botox vs Xeomin

Made from a neurotoxin produced by a bacterium, Botox has remained one of the world’s most sought-after non-invasive cosmetic treatments since its introduction in 1989. Photo: Verywell Health
Made from a neurotoxin produced by a bacterium, Botox has remained one of the world’s most sought-after non-invasive cosmetic treatments since its introduction in 1989. Photo: Verywell Health
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Botox, a household name in the universe of cosmetic rejuvenation, has garnered immense popularity over the years. Renowned for its efficacy in diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, this injectable derived from botulinum toxin type A stands as one of the world’s most sought-after non-invasive treatments. Beyond its cosmetic abilities, Botox extends its healing touch to conditions like chronic migraines, excessive underarm sweating and overactive bladder.

On the other hand, Xeomin is a newcomer to the world of cosmetic injectables, although a compelling one. Also harnessing the power of botulinum toxin type A, Xeomin stands out for its purity and absence of preservative proteins, an attribute that has earned it the alias of “the naked injectable”.

Gwyneth Paltrow is an enthusiastic user of Xeomin and told fans during a social media Q&A in October that she had used Botox “both successfully and unsuccessfully”. Photo: Xeomin
Gwyneth Paltrow is an enthusiastic user of Xeomin and told fans during a social media Q&A in October that she had used Botox “both successfully and unsuccessfully”. Photo: Xeomin
Endorsed by celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Christina Aguilera, Joe Jonas and Teyana Taylor, the injectable has taken the cosmetic treatments industry by storm. Paltrow, who’s bared her soul in her quest for age-defying radiance, has been candid about her experience with injectables, from a harrowing initial encounter with Botox to a triumphant transition to Xeomin.

While both Xeomin and Botox fall under the category of neuromodulators, the purity feature is what sets them apart. During the Xeomin manufacturing process, preservatives are meticulously removed, leaving behind a pure form of the neurotoxin. This ensures that the immune system remains unaffected and the body does not develop resistance to the treatment over time – a phenomenon sometimes observed with Botox.